Standard Life reviews PR ahead of status change

Standard Life head of media relations Scott White confirmed it had ceased working with Brunswick last December, ending a four-year relationship.

But he refused to rule out a pitch for the account later in the year, ahead of Standard Life's demutualisation – which is scheduled for the middle of 2006 – and likely flotation.

'We constantly review all of our external advisers,' White said. 'As we have a longstanding relationship with Brunswick, it would not be ruled out of any review.'

In a separate development, Standard Life has hired Burson Marsteller for corporate PR. White said BM had a wide remit to co-ordinate group comms.

The run-up to demutualisation has not been without its difficulties.

Earlier this month, former Equitable Members Action Group chairman Paul Braithwaite announced he would stand for election to Standard Life's board when policyholders vote in April. Policyholder David Stonebanks, labelled a 'carpetbagger' for seeking to force a demutualisation, is also trying to get elected and has accused Braithwaite of favouring some Equitable members over others.